The NYT on ‘Additional Insured’ Requirements — Here’s What Boards and Owners Should Take Away
No matter where you live—or what type of property you own—you’ve probably encountered this term.
In NYC co-ops and condos, it’s extremely common, especially in buildings managed by third-party property management firms. Boards often require shareholders or unit owners to list both the building and its management company as “additional insured” on their homeowner’s insurance policy.
Think Electrifying Your Co-op Is Easy? Think Again.
Have you ever started one project—just one—and suddenly found yourself juggling three?
That’s exactly what happened with one Upper West Side co-op that set out to electrify their building. The board wanted to comply with Local Law 97, reduce carbon emissions, and future-proof their property.
They were proactive and well-prepared. They’d already met with NYC Accelerator, hired an energy consultant, and had detailed reports outlining potential improvements.
Then came the question every board eventually faces: “Now what?”
NYC Co-op & Condo Budgeting
Avoid the Year-End Scramble with Smart Planning
Imagine owning a business. You only look at your finances once a year — in Q4 — and you never think about future growth, upcoming expenses, or risks.
Would that business thrive?
Probably not.
Yet that’s exactly how many co-op and condo boards handle their buildings’ budgets.
Your building isn’t just a place to live — it’s a multi-million-dollar business. If you owned a company with that kind of value, you’d have a five-year plan, cash flow projections, reserves for big expenses, and a growth strategy. Read on…
Why Every NYC Co-op & Condo Needs a New Board Member Onboarding Process
Because You’d Never Hire an Employee Without One—So Why Do We?
Imagine getting hired for a job at a company—without any training, job description, or handbook. No one tells you who to report to, what your responsibilities are, or where the policies live. You're just expected to “figure it out.”
Unthinkable, right?
And yet, that’s exactly how many NYC co-op and condo boards operate when welcoming new members. It’s no wonder so many new volunteers feel lost, frustrated, or hesitant to speak up. Without a clear onboarding process, both the individual and the building can suffer.
Inside NYC Co-op Board Operations
The Real Reason Projects Get Delayed
Hint: It’s not laziness. It’s logistics.
If you've ever wondered why it takes so long for your building to complete a simple repair or make a decision—you're not alone. In fact, if you don’t live in a co-op, you might be shocked to learn just how slow things can move.
But here’s the thing: co-op buildings aren’t just properties—they’re communities. And the decisions being made aren’t just about bricks and budgets. They’re about your home, your neighbors, and how millions of dollars are spent.
So why do things take so long? Let’s break it down.
Creating a Five-Year Capital Plan for Your NYC Coop or Condo
The Real Costs of Deferred Maintenance (Yes, It Adds Up Fast)
You wouldn't skip your annual physical, right?
Your building needs the same kind of care. The truth is, most costly repairs we see were totally preventable. What started as a minor leak turned into a $50,000 ceiling collapse. An overdue boiler part replacement led to a mid-winter emergency shutdown. And the kicker? Every one of those situations could have been avoided with a solid five-year capital plan.
Let’s walk you through how to create one that actually works—saving your board time, money, and stress.
NYC Coop and Condo Boards: Plan Now for the 2027 Elevator Safety Retrofit Deadline
What Is a Plunger —And Why Should You Care?
A plunger acts like the emergency in your car. It prevents an elevator from moving unexpectedly while people are getting in or out.
It’s a small component with big safety implications, and it's now a required feature for every elevator in the city.
Here’s where it gets real…
Why Is It So Hard to Get Quorum (and New Board Members) in NYC Coops?
If you’re on a coop or condo board, you already know: getting enough shareholders or unit owners to show up at the annual meeting can feel like pulling teeth. And when it comes to finding people willing to run for the board? That’s often even harder.
How to Tackle Local Law 97 Compliance for Your NYC Coop or Condo Building
As a co-op or condo board member, you’re likely feeling the pressure of Local Law 97 (LL97)—one of NYC’s most ambitious climate laws. Designed to reduce carbon emissions from large buildings, LL97 comes with strict emissions limits and potential fines for non-compliance.
But what happens when your building wants to comply but simply doesn’t have enough electrical capacity to fully electrify?
Unwanted Smells in NYC Coops
Tips from Mark Foley as seen in The New York Times
Did you know that two of the most common complaints in condos and coops are smells and noise? Whether it’s cooking odors, cigarette smoke, or even marijuana smoke, unwanted smells can quickly turn into a major issue in apartment living. If your neighbor’s smoking habits are making their way into your apartment, you’re not alone.
While co-op living is all about community, it’s also about respecting each other’s space. You have the right to enjoy your home without dealing with persistent secondhand smoke, just as your neighbor has the right to their lifestyle. So how do you handle this without turning it into a full-blown conflict? Here’s how you can address the problem effectively while keeping the peace.